President Trump took to Twitter this morning to suggest he’s looking to recall the Commerce Department’s ban against ZTE.
“President Xi of China, and I, are working together to give massive Chinese phone company, ZTE, a way to get back into business, fast,” wrote the President. “Too many jobs in China lost. Commerce Department has been instructed to get it done!”
The Commerce Department banned U.S. companies from selling parts and software to China-based ZTE for failing to live up to a 2017 settlement agreement. ZTE was caught selling parts to Iran despite international sanctions.
The company paid a massive fine and agreed to penalize some 35 managers as a result. The Commerce Department says ZTE did not penalize its managers and then lied about it. The ban, which is supposed to last through 2025, has effectively put ZTE out of business.
Last week, the company ceased most operations as a result. It’s unclear what President Trump actually said to the Commerce Department, nor is it clear how long it might take to actually reverse the ban.
President Xi of China, and I, are working together to give massive Chinese phone company, ZTE, a way to get back into business, fast. Too many jobs in China lost. Commerce Department has been instructed to get it done!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 13, 2018
